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Change (Taylor Swift song)

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"Change"
Cover art of "Change"
Promotional single by Taylor Swift
from the album AT&T Team USA Soundtrack
WrittenDecember 2007
ReleasedAugust 8, 2008 (2008-08-08)
GenrePower pop
Length4:43
LabelBig Machine
Songwriter(s)Taylor Swift
Producer(s)
Music video
"Change" on YouTube
"Change (Taylor's Version)"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album Fearless (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedApril 9, 2021
Length4:39
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)Taylor Swift
Producer(s)
Lyric video
"Change (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube

"Change" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on August 8, 2008, to promote the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack for the United States team at the 2008 Olympics. "Change" was included in Swift's second studio album, Fearless (2008). Swift wrote the track after winning the Horizon Award at the 2007 Country Music Association Awards; its lyrics are about overcoming obstacles to achieve victory.

Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Change" is a power pop song with dynamic strings and electric guitars. Music critics praised the production but found Swift's vocals weak and thin. The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 21 on the Pop 100 chart, and number 57 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the track gold. Shawn Robbins directed the music video for "Change" featuring Swift performing with a band in a ballroom. An alternate version features footage of the United States team at the 2008 Olympics.

Swift included "Change" in the set list to her first headlining tour, the Fearless Tour, in 2009 and performed the song live at the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards in 2010. After a 2019 dispute regarding the ownership of Swift's back catalog, she released a re-recorded version, "Change (Taylor's Version)", on Fearless (Taylor's Version), the 2021 re-recorded version of Fearless.

Background and release

[edit]

When Taylor Swift first signed to Big Machine Records, it was the smallest record label in Nashville, Tennessee.[1][2] At some point, Swift realized that it would be more difficult for her to achieve success through a small label, than in a larger label,[2] constricting their contacts and making it nearly impossible to embark on concert tours and have presenter or performer slots on award shows.[1] In addition, as the only signed artist, she could not ask for favors and only had herself to encourage the hope that scenarios would eventually change. Swift described the scenario as an "uphill climb"[2] and said, "There was this moment where I sat there and was like, 'When are we going to get a fighting chance? We're the smallest record label in Nashville, but we want this really bad.'"[1] After reassuring to herself that it would be different in the future, she wrote the beginning of "Change".[2] She let the track sit for a while, waiting for a remarkable event to trigger its completion.[3] She then completed the track the day after she won the Horizon Award at the 2007 Country Music Association Awards and saw Scott Borchetta, the president of Big Machine Records, crying.[1]

The song was recorded in December 2007, when she recognized it applied to more scenarios and had a "bigger meaning" than originally.[4] American television network National Broadcasting Company (NBC) had asked Swift to perform at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. However, an appearance could not be scheduled because Swift was touring at the time. Instead, Swift's father suggested using "Change" as a theme for the event.[3] Therefore, "Change" was used during NBC's daily video highlights in August 2008, prior to the release of Fearless.[5] "I wrote the song 'Change' as an underdog story. It's kind of crazy to think that the Olympics chose this as one of the songs to play during the Olympic Games", Swift commented.[1] It was included on the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack (2008).[6] The song was released as a promotional single on the iTunes Store on August 8, 2008. All proceeds were donated to the United States Olympic team.[5][6]

After its digital release, "Change" was included on the track list of Swift's second studio album, Fearless, released on November 11, 2008.[7] Following a masters dispute, Swift released the re-recorded version of Fearless, subtitled Taylor's Version, on April 9, 2021; Fearless (Taylor's Version) includes the re-recorded "Change", also subtitled "Taylor's Version".[8] "Change (Taylor's Version)" was produced by Swift and Christopher Rowe.[9]

Music and lyrics

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The duration of "Change" is four minutes and forty six seconds.[10] Ed Masley of The Arizona Republic classified it as a power pop song and noted the distorted guitars.[11] "Change" relies on a string-swathed instrumentation.[12] The lyrics of "Change" speak of overcoming obstacles and achieving triumph,[13] while instilling hope in oneself.[14] It centers around the concept of surpassing others' expectations and the limitations they set out. The song turns the notion of fearlessness into a movement that is not specified.[15] Dave Heaton of PopMatters noted the lyric "I believe in whatever you do" meant Swift was unconcerned with the specifics of the cause. He presumed it was a universal message or was about changing the traditions of country music sound and defying the expectations of what country artists can achieve with their careers.[15] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone believed the lyrics addressed political issues.[12]

Reception

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The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary critics. Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine was unimpressed by Swift's vocals, describing them as unpleasant and thin. Keefe added that her voice often cracked and, therefore, prevented the song from becoming an anthem.[16] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone magazine considered the track to be vague.[12] Dave Heaton of PopMatters compared "Change" and Swift's "Long Live", both which ended Fearless and Speak Now (2010), respectively. He stated, "There's something really generic about the song[s], but that quality becomes the cornerstone of an anthem."[14] Heaton also commented that the song was appealing to multiple audiences, as long as they felt restrained by any scenario.[15]

On the week ending August 30, 2008, "Change" debuted at its peak position of number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 131,000 digital downloads, making it Swift's best-charting song at the time and first top-10 appearance.[17] In the following week, the song descended to number 39 and then number 100 on the Hot 100, marking its third and last week on the chart.[18][19] The song is one of 13 tracks from Fearless charted within the top-40 of the Hot 100, breaking the record for the most top-40 entries from a single album.[20] "Change" also peaked at number 57 on the Hot Country Songs chart on the week ending August 30, 2008.[21] The track also peaked at number 21 on the now-defunct Pop 100 chart.[22]

Music video

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The accompanying music video for "Change" was directed by Shawn Robbins. It was filmed at the ballroom in the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis, Indiana.[23] The video commences with a shot of a stained glass window. It then transitions to Swift, clothed in a white cocktail dress and black cowboy boots, performing alongside her backup band in an empty ballroom. The band members are dressed semi-casual and play the instruments: bass, drums, and various guitars. As the video progresses, Swift is seeing singing and dancing. Cut-scenes feature close-ups of Swift in another setting, clothed by another white cocktail dress and surrounded by hot pink, white, and blue twinkling lights in a black background. The video concludes with Swift turning back and walking toward the backup band. An alternate version of the video features footage from United States Olympic team at the 2008 Summer Olympics.[23] Both versions of the music video premiered on NBC.com in August 2008.[23]

Live performances

[edit]
Swift performing "Change" in the Houston Rodeo

Swift has performed the track on the AOL Sessions.[24] Since, Swift has performed the track at the Studio 330 Sessions,[25] the 2009 CMA Music Festival,[26] the 2009 V Festival,[27] and the Australian charity concert Sydney Sound Relief.[28] Swift's first televised performance of "Change" was at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards, where she, donning a sparkly evening gown, sang on an elevator suspended from the crowd. She then came down, where she was joined by a teenage choir, and finished the performance by surfing the crowd.[15]

Swift performed "Change" on the first North American leg of the Fearless Tour. During the performances, Swift wore a sparkly silver and black dress with black, leather boots. She noted, "It's been a tough year", and commenced singing throughout the stage as images of victims of economic and natural disasters were projected on the video screens. As the song approximated, its last refrain, she said, "Things turn back around." Then, scenes of triumph appeared on the video screens.[29] Craig Rosen of The Hollywood Reporter attended the May 22, 2009 concert in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center and commented, "It was overly simplistic and a bit naive, but still hard not to be moved."[29] Jon Pareles of The New York Times said Swift offered the audience with optimistic thinking with the performance in the August 27, 2009 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[30] She performed the song in 2013 during the performance in Greensboro on her Red Tour, at the second show in Foxborough on her Reputation Stadium Tour, in 2018, [31] and at the seventh show in London on her The Eras Tour, in 2024 in a mashup with "Long Live" (2010).

Charts

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Chart performance for "Change"
Chart (2008) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[32] 10
US Pop 100 (Billboard)[22] 21
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[33] 57

Certification

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Certification for "Change"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[34] Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Newman, Melinda (December 19, 2008). "Taylor Swift Sessions Interview". AOL. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d Swift, Taylor. "Cut By But". Big Machine Records. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Taylor Swift's Olympic Moment". Great American Country. August 13, 2008. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2011.
  4. ^ Taylor Swift (2008). Fearless (Target Exclusive DVD) (Recording "Change"). Big Machine Records.
  5. ^ a b "Taylor Swift's Olympics Song on iTunes Friday". CMT. August 6, 2008. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Kapko, Matt (7 August 2008). "Mobile Content Bits: AT&T Team USA Soundtrack; MediaFLO NASCAR; T-Mobile 3G; VH1's Scandalist". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
  7. ^ Spencer, Liv (2010). Taylor Swift: Every Day Is a Fairytale – The Unofficial Story. ECW Press. p. 81. ISBN 978-1550229318.
  8. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (February 11, 2021). "Taylor Swift Announces Re-Recorded Fearless Album: Updated 'Love Story' Out Tonight". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  9. ^ "Credits / Fearless (Taylor's Version) / Taylor Swift". Tidal. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  10. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Fearless – Taylor Swift". AllMusic. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  11. ^ Masley, Ed (August 12, 2015). "30 Best Taylor Swift singles ever (so far)". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  12. ^ a b c Rosen, Jody (November 13, 2008). "Taylor Swift – Fearless". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  13. ^ "Taylor Swift offers "Change" for Olympics, wins Teen Choice award". Country Standard Time. August 6, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  14. ^ a b Heaton, Dave (November 30, 2010). "Taylor Swift: Speak Now". PopMatters. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  15. ^ a b c d Heaton, Dave (May 10, 2010). "So, Taylor Swift, How Far Do You Wanna Go?". PopMatters. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  16. ^ Keefe, Jonathan (November 16, 2008). "Taylor Swift: Fearless". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  17. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (August 21, 2008). "Rihanna Fends Off Archuleta Atop Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  18. ^ "Hot 100 - Week of September 6, 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  19. ^ "Hot 100 - Week of September 13, 2008". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  20. ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (November 12, 2009). "Rihanna's 'Roulette' Lands In Hot 100's Top 10". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
  21. ^ "Country Songs - Week of August 30, 2008". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  22. ^ a b "Taylor Swift - Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  23. ^ a b c "Top 10 Taylor Swift Videos". AOL. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  24. ^ "Taylor Swift, 'White Horse' (Sessions)". AOL. Archived from the original on 2013-07-19. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
  25. ^ "Taylor Swift – Change (Studio 330 Sessions)". CMT. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  26. ^ "Taylor Swift 'Belongs' on GAC". Great American Country. June 15, 2009. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  27. ^ "Oasis and Killers to headline V Festival". NME. March 2, 2009. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  28. ^ "Sydney Relief: Sydney Info: Line-Up". Sound Relief. Archived from the original on January 23, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  29. ^ a b Rosen, Craig (May 26, 2009). "Taylor Swift at Staples Center – Concert Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2010.
  30. ^ Pareles, Jon (August 28, 2009). "She's a Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Angry". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
  31. ^ Iasimone, Ashley. "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed On Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage (So Far)". Billboard. Archived from the original on 8 October 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
  32. ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  33. ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  34. ^ "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – Change". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 10, 2012.

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